Crisis of the Third Century

The Third-Century Crisis (235-284) is historians' term for the political, military, and economic turmoil that beset the Roman Empire during much of the third century CE: frequent changes of ruler, civil wars, barbarian invasions, decline of urban centers, and near-destruction of long-distance commerce and the monetary economy. After 284 CE Diocletian restored order by making fundamental changes.

History
The Roman state prospere dfor two and a half centuries after Augustus' reforms, but in the third century CE cracks in the edifice became visible. From 235 to 284 CE, the Roman Empire was nearly destroyed by political, military, and economic problems. The most visible symptom of the crisis was the frequent change of rulers: twenty or more men claimed the office of emperor during this period. Most reigned for only a few months or years before being overthrown by rivals or being killed by their own troops. Germanic tribesmen on the Rhine/Danube frontier took advantage of the frequent civil wars and periods of anarchy to raid deep into the empire. For the first time in centuries, Roman cities began to erect walls for protection. Several regions, feeling that the central government was not adequately protecting them, broke away and turned power over to a leader who promiused to put their interests first. The Third-Century Crisis almost destroyed Rome, but Diocletian and Constantine saved the empire by transforming it.